Each part of Fukushima Prefecture has remarkable festivals worth visiting, and the Nakadori region (the central part of the prefecture) is no exception. Every year in early of October, two major traditional events are held here, both drawing numerous visitors into a magical atmosphere, yet each one has its own history and features. These were probably the first festivals I ever saw in Japan, and the sound of the crowd and thousands of red lanterns remain forever in my memory. After many years and visits to other large festivals across the country, I still consider these two festivals to be very immersive and vibrant events and think they are worth experiencing at least once.

福島県には、各地域に見応えのある祭りがあります。中通り（県中央部）では、毎年10月上旬に二つの大きな祭りが開催されます。どちらも幻想的な雰囲気があり、たくさんの見物客で賑わいますが、それぞれ独自の歴史と特色があります。この二つの祭りは、私が日本で初めて見たお祭りで、人々の賑やかな声、何千張もの赤い提灯、その楽しい雰囲気が今でも深く記憶に残っています。それ後、全国各地の大きなお祭りを訪れましたが、この二つのお祭りは圧倒的に没入感があり、活気に満ちたイベントだと感じます。ぜひ一度訪れてみてください。